STORM DUDLEY

 

Beautiful afternoon sun and snow

Three days ago mountain forecasts were suggesting wind speeds on the Cairngorm summits in excess of 80mph on Wednesday and 100mph on Thursday. I did have a client booked on a course for these days. We had a chat and he decided to reschedule. So I was a bit miffed to see hardly anything wind wise yesterday and today only around 60mph on the Cairngorms. The storm obviously tract further south. So that left me with a day off today. I had a wander up the Monadhliath to check out the sun and snow.

The only footprints were of Mountain Hares 

Beautiful conditions 

The fresh snow was down to about 350m on the Monadhliath. I was surprised to be the only person walking up today. No other footprints.  Even though I had a late start.

Good cover

Drifts

Snow drifting in the strong winds

Above 500m there was some drifting and some beautiful snow sculptured sastrugi and other wonderful snow and wind creations. At 600m a stronger wind of around 40mph. A 30 minute snow shower came through. This was coupled with the heavy drying snow and gave some poor visibility for a time.

Snow transportation in strong winds 

More wonderful sculptured snow

Deep drifts

It was just fab being out alone amongst some wonderful snow conditions. The sun was very welcome too. A lot more snow to come tomorrow. Get ready for some snow ploughing again, I mean with your legs. :)

Storm Dudley? No, not here. Storm Eunice? Erm, no not here. We'll see tomorrow.